SEPTEMBER 2011 INSIDE:

* exhibit uses Star Wars props, costumes and models to explore possible technologies * Morning Glories sculpture gone as Aquarena Center continues a restoration to its natural state * Kemah's boardwalk attraction noted among the nation's best

TRAVEL NEWS STATE OF A FAIR

ELLINGTON Airport in south- N THE MIDST of the State Fair east Houston will soon be of ' 125th known as Ellington Interna- anniversary, the State of Texas' 175th mile- tional Airport. A bevy of improve- stone also will be given the spotlight ments are underway to make the via a new attraction-TEXAS! The airfield ready for domestic and in- Exhbition-featured at the Hall ternational traffic, including a $10 of State building at Fair Park from million-plus project for a new ter- Sept. 30-Dec. 4. minal, tower and inspection station The Hall of State building at Fair for this extension of the Houston Park remains closed for the exhibit Airport System. Galveston's Lone installation until opening day, when Star Flight Museum also is plan- State Fair visitors can get a glimpse ning a move to the campus. of the cultural heritage that built the It is expected to take up to 18 months state. Each room will highlight spe- to complete the airport's new terminal, cial events in Texas history. which will serve domestic and inter- "Texas is known national air traffic, and the inspection for a lot of things, and this grand exhibition boasts station for U.S. Customs and Border what's great about the Lone Star Protection agents. State and highlights some of its out- An aircraft museum, including standing attributes," two new hangars, could serve as new says J.P. Bryan, guest curator for TEXAS! The Exhibi- home to museums already consider- tion and a direct descendant of Mo- ing the move. The Lone Star Flight Along with the special TEXAS! exhibit, State Fair visitors can expect fried ses Austin, Stephen F. Austin's father. Museum in Galveston-inspired by concoctions, the Midway and the annual Cotton Bowl game portrayed "From notorious warriors responsible here in last year's annual butter sculpture. the desire to protect its collection for the birth of a one-of-a-kind repub- from hurricanes-is set to move its lic and state, to famous events and a Stephen F. Austin's pocket tele- the Heritage Society of Houston, collection to the Ellington campus. vast collection of artifacts, these col- scope, the only original Juneteenth San Jacinto Museum of History and Also on the horizon is a $50 mil- lected works provide a vivid glimpse document declaring emancipation the Torch Collection in Houston. lion-$57 million new regional facili- into the rich heritage of Texas." for all Texas slaves, and a life-sized TEXAS! The Exhibition is open ty for the U.S. Coast Guard; ex- Exhibit artifacts include Davy replica of the Alamo. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and is free during panded facilities for the U.S. mili- Crockett's pipe and pistol, Santa An- The exhibit is a collaborative ef- the State Fair of Texas, which runs tary, including training, logistics and na's spurs and vest, the sword used fort presented by the Histori- through Oct. 23. a battle command centers; and a $70 to capture Santa Anna, Sam Hous- cal Society with assistance from the For more information on the State million-$80 million mixed-use busi- ton's battle of San Houston Museum of Natural Fair, visit www.bigtex.com. ness development on the airport's Jacinto report, Science, north side, which will include a car- go facility, warehouses, a tarmac and $300 million to a half-billion dollars sports marketing; and Beaumont for Cooperative Marketing: Killeen, parking for aircraft. and create as many as 600 jobs," he says. tourism promotion and best website. McKinney and Waco New hangars to be leased to indi- The Judges Choice Best Overall Convention Promotion: Killeen, viduals or corporations for storing, AT THE RECENT Texas Associa- Entry went to The Colony CVB for San Marcos and Plano building and/or maintaining aircraft tion of Convention and Visi- sports marketing. Local Awareness: Temple, San also will be constructed at $60 million tors Bureau's Annual Confer- The Idea Fair also netted Peoples' Marcos and Beaumont -$70 million. ence in San Marcos, various CVBs Choice winners based on budgets of National Tourism Week: No Brian Rinehart, general manager were noted for their efforts in ad- less than $350,000, from $350,000 to entries for less than $350,000, at Ellington International Airport, vertising, tourism promotion and $999,999, and $1 million-plus. Plano McKinney, and (tied) Abilene told the Houston Business Journal more. Judges Choice Awards went CVB won Best Overall Entry for its and El Paso that six areas of the Ellington air- to San Marcos CVB for advertising convention promotion. Sports Marketing: The Colony, field campus are slated for construc- as well as convention promotion; In ascending order (based on bud- no mid-level entries and El Paso tion and expansion, with projects Waco CVB for cooperative market- gets), the People's Choice first place Tourism Promotion: Seguin, San completed in phases during the next ing; Bryan-College Station for local winners were: Marcos and, (tied) Abilene and five years. awareness; Abilene for National Advertising: Conroe, San Marcos Beaumont "These projects will total about Tourism Week; The Colony for and El Paso * Website: Kyle Chamber of TEXAS TRAVELOG

Commerce, Denton and Beaumont. TSU student newspaper The Universi- For a complete list of Idea Fair ty Star, "I was fascinated by the sculp- F, Peoples' Choice winners, visit www. tures and began looking into them tacvb.com. when I found out the university want- ed to remove them. We learned the N 1963, Wimberley sculptor Winn family wanted them returned ~ Buck Winn was commissioned and thought that was a fine idea. These to create a sculpture that would sculptures are family heirlooms and offer shade to Aquarena Center have found the best place they can be." ~~YIi visitors. He created "Morning Andrew Winn, the sculptor's Glories." In August, the sculpture grandson, says the sculptures on the was removed from Aquarena Cen- private ranch (where he also runs ter in preparation for a $4 mil- Wimberley Zipline Adventures) lion restoration project to restore will be available to view for free, Spring Lake to its natural state. by appointment only. Texas State University bought the Aquarena Center continues to offer site in 1994 and has since been work- the glass bottom boat and kayak tours ing to restore the land-home to the an aquarium, tours, diving and more. second-largest artesian spring in the For more information about Aqua- country and to eight endangered spe- rena Center, call (512) 245-7570 or cies including the Texas blind sala- visit www.aquarena.txstate.edu. Stormtroopers purchase tickets for the Star Wars-: Where Science Meets mander and the San Marcos gambu- Imagination exhibit at Houston's Health Museum. sia, which has not been seen in the THAN KS TO several inches of wild for nearly 30 years. recent rains, the temporary clo- Park Superintendent Bill Wellman the robots in Star Wars. The exhibi- With that came the removal of the sure of all High Chisos back- says, "We are relieved to see rain tion also features the creation of real giant morning glories sculpture. packing campsites in Na- throughout many areas of the park, world robots that navigate, sense and Piece by piece, the sculpture was tional Park has been lifted, includ- and especially in the High Chisos Moun- understand the world around them airlifted from Aquarena Springs to ing dispersed (zone) camping in the tains and Basin area. The rain will while communicating in increasingly their new home-back to the Winn Blue Creek and Lower Juniper Zones. reduce the fire danger and be partic- sophisticated ways. family and their ranch in Wimberley. Full use, both daytime and over- ularly helpful to wildlife and park re- Other film artifacts include mod- Texas River Systems Institute Di- night, of the Chisos high country is sources after a prolonged dry period." els for items like the Sebulba Podra- rector Andrew Sansom says he thinks now re-opened and available. The cer or Queen Amidala's Nubian Starship, as well as costumes for the Spring Lake endeavor is the "most Window Trail has also re-opened. N significant environmental restoration The closures were the result of ex- Darth Vader, Anakin Jedi, Obi-Wan TM project in the nation right now." treme fire danger in the park. HE STAR WARS : Where Sci- Kenobi, Princess Leia, Snowtrooper, "We're trying as best as possible Caution is still recommended ence Meets Imagination exhibit Stormtroopers and others. to restore it to its natural condition throughout the park with any type of at The Health Museum in Hous- Admission is by timed ticket only, so when visitors come here in the fu- ignition source such as camping stoves ton uses more than 100 props, which includes general admission to ture it will be a preserve rather than or barbecue/charcoal grills. Smoking models, costumes and Star Wars The Health Museum's other exhibits. an amusement park," Sansom told is prohibited on the High Chisos trails artifacts to look at the fantasy tech- Tickets are $20/$18 for adults or the Austin American-Statesman. throughout the year. The charcoal nologies in the films, the science seniors/children. Special pricing is Kevin Huffaker, vice chairman of ban, which was in effect for the Basin behind them, and current research available for members and groups. the San Marcos Arts Commission, told campground, also has been lifted. that may lead to real-life versions For more information, call (713) of these technologies-especially in 521-1515, ext. 136 or visit www.the- terms of transportation and robotics. healthmuseum.org/starwars. This exhibit runs through Sept. 18. Museum-goers learn how ideas A WI: Final Survivors, a photo become technologies in real life exhibit showcasing the last through hands-on multi-station engi- survivors of World War I, neering labs, where they can design, will be on display at the Museum V build and test solutions to challeng- of The Gulf Coast in Port Arthur es, including designing a robot. Visi- through Sept. 18. r tors also participate in immersion The exhibition is part of Survivor experiences and cutting-edge inno- Quest, photojournalist David De- vations that help them see how ideas Jonge's years-long project to locate,

,pt become technologies in real life. identify, interview and photograph After examining Luke Skywalk- the last surviving WWI witnesses " ".. ' -aroma= :. . er's Landspeeder and other floating that served from 1914-19. vehicles from Star Wars, visitors dis- When DeJonge finished his inter- cover how things move without views of the United States WWI sur- touching the ground in the real vivors, he then went to England and world, from models of flying cars to documented their last three survi- commercial spaceplanes. vors. Their ages ranged from 105- In this archive photo, the "Morning Glories" sculpture stands tall in the Visitors also meet C-3PO and R2- 112 years. The oldest, Henry Alling- shadow of Aquarena Springs' Swiss sky ride. D2 and explore how people relate to ham, was the last person to have SEPTEMBER 201113 flown in a biplane during combat. Frank Woodruff Buckles, who also was a civilian POW in the Philip- pines during WWII, was the last of the survivors. He died at 110 years on Feb. 27. Visitors can see 38 framed pictures. including 13 survivor portraits taken from 2006-2009 for the 90th anniver- sary of WWI. Each portrait is accom- panied by a story that includes exclu- sive interviews and reflections by the veterans. In most cases a vintage por- trait of the survivor also is featured. The project, which has been on view at the White House and Penta- gon, has received numerous acco- lades and extensive media coverage. For more information, visit www. museumofthegulfcoast.org.

IN THE RANKS Kemah's main attraction is noted, again, as one of the best boardwalks in the country surpassed only by Atlantic K EMAH's Boardwalk ranks City, N.J. and Coney Island, N.Y. third in ShermansTravel.com's list of the best boardwalks in boasts zip-lining over the preserve's the consumer brand marketing and clude leading convention sales and the country, falling just behind the treetops, Lake Travis sunsets and a publicity director for JCPenney Cor- services, member and visitor infor- iconic boardwalks in Atlantic City, mechanical bull-riding workout. poration, has more than 16 years of mation services, and working to N.J., and Coney Island, NY. Other noted getaways were in experience in messaging strategy, boost existing sales efforts and part- The editors of ShermansTravel.com Williamsburg, Va.; Davenport/Or- public relations, brand marketing, nerships while increasing Dallas' vis- selected boardwalks that were tops in lando, Fla.; Winter Park, Colo.; Sau- promotional events, corporate com- ibility through industry involvement. "pure, unadulterated summer fun" salito, Calif.; and St. Pete Beach, Fla. munications, media relations, and "Darren's leadership, enthusiasm for their amusements, live entertain- crisis and issues management. and proven track record of creating ment, people-watching and nostalgia. Roth also previously served as the teams and accountable business de- "Whether you're in town to catch senior manager of public relations velopment efforts will be tremen- a Texaribbean cruise or just for the HE TEXAS Association of Con- for Pier 1 Imports. dous assets," says Dallas CVB Presi- fun of it, Kemah's amusement park vention and Visitor Bureaus "It's an exciting time to join the dent and CEO Phillip Jones. rides, marina, beach and family- awarded Sudie Burditt and Vic CVB and the work of so many to pro- friendly activities should factor high Mathias the 2011 Legacy Awards mote Fort Worth's friendliness and EMILEA WHITE joins the Amarillo on your local agenda," the site re- during the 2011 Annual Confer- sophistication," Roth says. "Where Convention and Visitor Council ports. It adds that, "with rides like ence in San Marcos in August. else can you go for authentic Western as convention sales manager for the Boardwalk Bullet (a terrifying Burditt, of the Kerrville Conven- heritage living hand-in-hand with un- the SMERF market (social, military, wooden that debuted tion and Visitors Bureau, and Math- paralleled cultural amenities and one education, religious and fraternal in 2007) and attractions like a 4-D ias, formerly with the Austin CVB, of the nation's most dynamic down- groups). theater (featuring SpongeBob were recognized as individuals who towns? It's a wonderful place to live "Emilea's experience in the hospi- SquarePants), helped build the foundation of the and an amazing place to visit!" tality industry will be a great benefit is poised to give the old Eastern Texas Association of Convention to the CVC," says Jerry Holt, Ama- Seaboard boardwalks a run for and Visitor Bureaus. DARREN TEMPLE is the new se- rillo CVC Vice President. their money." The award acknowledges tourism nior vice president of sales and White most recently was director Also noted was the onsite Board- professionals committed to the im- services for the Dallas Convention of sales for the new Holiday Inn walk Inn. provement, growth and professional- and Visitors Bureau. His duties in- West Amarillo. For more information, visit www. ism of TACVB and the Texas travel kemahboardwalk.com. industry. These visionaries see what NEW ORDINANCE their future and the future of CVB's USA TODAY tracked down six could be and put into place the plans EFFECTIVE Jan. 1, beer cans and other disposable containers great Labor Day weekend and leadership required for that fu- will be banned from the Comal and Guadalupe rivers within the hotel packages to serve as the ture. They are inspirational to all New Braunfels city limits in a reported attempt to keep rivers free perfect last hurrah of summer, in- professionals in the travel and tour- of trash, often attributed to tubers. cluding Travaasa Austin, the Hill ism industry. The ordinance, which the New Braunfels City Council passed Aug. 22 Country experiential retreat spa in by a 5-1 vote, includes a ban on all disposable food and beverage con- the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. MERIANNE ROTH joins the Fort tainers, including water bottles, plastic food bags, plastic silverware and Noted for serving up "huge help- Worth Convention and Visitors ings of authentic Austin-style adven- Bureau as its new vice president of kids' juice boxes. ture, culinary activities, culture, fit- marketing communications. For more information, visit www.nbtexas.org. ness, and wellness," Travaasa also Roth, who most recently served as !ITEXAS TRAVELOG

Which Texas museum boasts the largest col- VISITOR NUMBERS as of July 31, 2011 Month Percent Year-to-Date Percent lection of Norman Rockwell Scout paintings TRAVEL CENTER Visitors Variation* Visitors Variation* under one roof? AMARILLO 10,933 -11.53 55,476 -2.93 ANTHONY 4,642 -30.88 37,916 -29.03 " .UfasflUz 47,879 -9.70 esq-mAm uspA Jo Lt0E-E0E (008) lea 'uoiweuojui DJow 1o0 CAPITOL 8,471 -11.71 slnoaS DENISON 35,845 -0.46 189,881 +2.14 oftgi slnoaSs1 qnD wozi -ji1 uiunoaS smoIIoJ 'suiqigxa GAn1 GAINESVILLE 29,979 -5.88 150,178 -18.38 -31?Ja1uI ~i sonatoslpau 43114M j111 U0iWeAJ-3s- lfloZS a4I j s-Lu11 LANGTRY 2,811 -25.99 30,009 -18.59 pull sliqiqxa ~AI1311J-31U XuLwu 'lligq~lowuow pue~ Xiolsiq uinoos 'aleag1 XJWiH VSg 1 1e oapiA -doaseuD3 lnuiw-gj e safnl1 LAREDO 7,560 -14.11 45,032 -28.23 -e3 osle epoy Jo slnoaS Xog agq o wnasnw ll!3eJo su L ORANGE 43,914 +0.92 258,133 +5.79 autze?80UI dj17,sXog JoJ JoIlJisnIIIi ue se 8161 TEXARKANA 18,960 -44.31 71,395 -59.70 ui palelJ3g gaiqLpqM2uiluid }noaS lsj'u s wl3mjogj sapnl VALLEY 7,766 -14.60 91,345 -12.57 -ui leql s~uiluid Ilom)P0o uPuJJoN jo uoiloo aaaid-j 9 aA sualx-3 ue seg ui ui nnsnW 2uglnooS leuoileNv ag1 WASKOM 35,322 -4.52 199,270 -14.04 WICHITA FALLS 19,120 +10.53 98,255 +9.48 CENTER TOTALS 225,323 -9.90 1,274,769 -13.88 TEXAS TRAVELOG is published monthly by the Texas Department *Compared to last year of Transportation, Travel Information Division. Please send news items of in- terest to the Texas travel industry to Texas TraveLog, P.O. Box 141009, Dial toll-free (800) 452-9292 for travel assistance from Austin, TX 78714-1009. (512) 486-5874, fax (512) 486-5879. E-mail: trv-log@ dot.state.tx.us. Deadline for each newsletter is the 15th of the month preced- TxDOT's Texas Travel Information Centers ing the issue date. To receive this publication electronically, please e-mail (8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Central Time) [email protected]. EDITOR: Lois M. Rodriguez DESIGN/LAYOUT: Kirsti Harms www.traveltex.com " www.texashighways.com

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